More Mark 12

Jesus certainly knew his Psalms. Having silenced his critics he asks them a question. "How is it that the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David?"

The coming of the Messiah was a great event which the Jews looked forward to (and some still do). We are so used to seeing Jesus in say, Isaiah 53, that we find it hard to believe that the Jews deny this. Yet Jews believe that the suffering servant is the nation of Israel itself. Here Jesus is once again claiming to be the Messiah.

The Jews knew that Jesus had raised no objection to being called the son of David, eg Matthew Ch 21 v 15, "Hosanna to the son of David". They knew at once the implications of this, "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they challenged him. His reply was unequivocal, "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise." quoting from Psalm 8. This incident although not reported by Mark occurs immediately after the clearing of the Temple. So Jesus is continuing the same discussion.

He quotes again from the Psalms, this time 110: The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under my feet." The Messiah is not only the son of David; he is also the son of God.

Notice also how he describes the Psalm: David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared... He is the special nature of Scripture that differentiates it from all other literature; it is written by human authors who are 'speaking by the Holy Spirit'.

He has already told one scribe that he is not far from the kingdom of heaven. Now he is offering to put right what is missing. We know from elsewhere in Scripture what is necessary to be saved. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." He is declaring himself to be the anointed one, the Savior of Israel.

But he knows that the teachers of the Law will not follow where he leads. He sees their hearts. he knows that their behavior betrays their beliefs.

"Watch out," he warns, "for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the market place, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widow's houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."

It is a good thing to desire to be a leader but leaders have special responsibilities. Asked what they want to be today, young people often reply that they want to be famous. They see actors and footballers given the red carpet treatment and want the same; they little realize that even actors and footballers have had to work for their fame. Young people want the fame but not the work. We see ministers of religion enjoying the exposure of the media, careful for their hair styles and tans, conscious of what looks good on camera. We see preachers milking the little old ladies. Little changes.

A minister is a servant. Whether he is a minister of religion or a government minister. By their fruits shall you know them. Heresy leads to hypocrisy.